#23 -- The End

This is a bit bittersweet. I am certainly pleased to have completed the program. And I am not sure I could embrace 43 Things. Most of these 23 things have been completely new for me -- and I did not grow up in the computer age. I have thoroughly enjoyed this, however. I found the applications manageable and mostly FUN. It was a GREAT idea to create a blogspot, because now there is a written record of my walk through the entire program. I consider it will be a good reference source. There were suggested questions to answer.
1. What are my favorite discoveries?
LibraryThing, Zoho, RSS Feeds, and Podcast production.
2. Has this program affected my lifelong learning goals?
I looked back at my first post. Why does that seem so long ago? I noted that I confessed to a lack of confidence. This program has definitely given me a boost. I have certainly not reached a geek status, but I feel like I can use these programs both for my own benefit and for the benefit of the library if I am fortunate enough to find a position after graduation.
3. Were there unexpected outcomes? YES! I wasn't expecting to enjoy this so much -- or to find so much useful.
One more time -- thanks for a great experience.

#15 - Library 2.0

As I understand it, Library 2.0 refers to the concept that library services are becoming more user centric. This means that library users are encouraged to participate in library services. These 23 things have introduced several applications that enable and encourage this type of participation. Libraries are now on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. They use Flickr and establish Wiki's. Patrons can search library OCLCs, request books online and use self-check-outs. We were directed to read two or three of the perspectives presented in the resources and comment on one -- adding our own thoughts. Not only because Dr. Schultz's first name is Wendy, but because I also liked what she wrote I would like to comment on her ideas. Briefly, I mirror her thoughts that encouraging more involvment from the library patron through the use of technology applications is a good thing. Any increased involvement from our patrons can only be desirable. I also agree that the patron still needs the guidance of the librarian as she sets out in her Library 3D scenario -- where the "avalance of material available will put a premium on service". The new library is not only "in the community, but is a community". Dr. Schultz's dream Library 4.0 is that kind of a community containing Libraries 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, as a knowledge base, barrier-free, everywhere, participatory, and with (my favorite), the image of a country house library -- a comfortable retreat.

#22 - Audio Books

I first went to NetLibrary from my computer at work at UW. Because I was at a UW computer, I was taken directly to UW-Madison's eContent Collection. I didn't know that this was here so it was a nice find. However, all of the books here are ebooks, but NOT eAUDIObooks. From my home computer, and by following the link at the 23 Things site, I am taken to the OCLC NetLibrary. Because I do not have a library card with PLCMC, I am unable to create an account there. I did, however look briefly at the Net Library Media Center. It is good to know about this Center that looks to have an amazing collection of eaudiobooks and to know that a library can gain access to these books for their patrons. I decided to visit my own public library system here in South Central Wisconsin. I followed the link to Wisconsin Public Library Consortium's Digital Download Center. I took the "download digital media guided tour". Here I was introduced to the Overdrive Media Console. The instructions for download look to be doable. I do not have either a laptop, a MP3 player or an iPod and so did not actually download the console. I LOVE audiobooks -- listen to them while performing household chores and while traveling. I have also checked out the books and player all in one combination. It appears that most of the eaudiobooks at this site seem to play on a PC and an iPOD. I think if I had an iPod, I would like this feature -- and maybe someday I will get one. In the meantime, many library patrons do have iPods, so it will be a pleasure to someday introduce this great Web 2.0 application to them.
While I can, I will continue to check out books on cassette and CD and listen to them on my walkmen or car CD or cassette player. I'm glad to know there is a really great alternative to this available just waiting for me to step into the 21st Century:)

Snow Day

Today is Wednesday, December 9, 2009. We are experiencing a BIG winter storm -- the epitome of inclement weather. The University of Wisconsin cancelled classes and encouraged all non-essential personnel to stay home. I'm non-essential personnel, but my husband needed to come in so I came, too. It's a great time to accomplish much without too much interference. Here is just a tidbit of interesting history:

Historical Note: Prior to December 9, 2009, the Campus has only been closed three times in recorded history due to snow. According to University Communications, the first time the campus was closed was on March 17, 1969 due to “a major snowstorm.” The second time the University was closed was in mid-morning on December 3, 1990 when Chancellor Donna Shalala decided to close the campus after 17” of snow fell in Madison over a 12-hour period. The third time was in the 2005-6 school year because of excess snow.

I was a freshman here on campus in 1969 -- hmmm -- I don't remember that snow day. On another note, yesterday marked the first time this semester that I have not gone to the Meriter Hospital Medical Library for my regularly scheduled practicum session -- because it is completed. I missed going. I really enjoyed that experience and hope to go back next semester for a Consumer Health Collection Development Project.

#21 Podcasts

I learned several things here at "thing 21" -- podcasts. For instance, "podcast" was named "word of the year" by the New Oxford American Dictionary. Specifically I learned that the word of the year is chosen by how often requests for definition of the word are received. I also learned that a podcast is an audio program distributed via the internet, and that a podcast differs from a streaming audio in that it is transmitted automatically through a RSS feed. (Good thing I learned about RSS feeds earlier.) It was interesting that here a RSS feed is not only explained as a "really simple syndication", but also a "rich site summary". These podcasts are created generally for "niche" audiences. I have some experience with podcasts and a "niche" audience. I work a (very) few hours per week at the Cooperative Children's Book Center and have on occasion been asked to contribute the weekly podcasts produced by and about the CCBC. I was not able to add this podcast to my blogline, but here is a link. I visited the "Beginners guide to podcasts and podcasting (plus: how to create a basic podcast of your own) at forevergeek.com. This is a very useful, informational site. I am happy to know about it if someday I would like to create a podcast in a library. There is a link there to eatonweb -- a BLOG directory. I also visited podcastalley.com where an amazing number of podcasts can be found. I clicked the link to the "top podcasts" and chose to add "The Old Time Dragnet Show"with Adam Graham" to my Bloglines. You know, I thought that I had so many things that I wanted to do after I retire that I would have to live to 100 to do them all. The list has grown longer. . . There are certainly a lot of amazing technology applications available out there.

LD Fargo Public Library -- Lake Mills, WI

#20 -- YouTube

Would you look at that? I was able to post for you one of my favorite You Tube videos. Here is a link to one of my other favorites. I also looked at the Library dominos video. I wonder where that was taken and which books were they that were all the same size and shape? During this summer, I was helping one of our professors, Catherine Arnott-Smith with a research project that involved interviewing public librarians all over the state. We visited the library in Lake Mills, WI, where I know the director, Gerard Saylor likes to make You Tube videos. I checked it out and here is his latest -- enjoy. I will post it in a new blog. (This is my example of how You Tube videos can be used in the library.:) As for the videos on Google, I noted that they are actually from other video sites -- like You Tube. What I do like is that if you "google" for something, you can check out the "video" tab to see if there is a video about it. Anyway, once again this was fun. Hope you enjoy the videos I picked.

You Tube Favorite

#19 Web 2.0 Awards

Before I begin this post about the short list of Web 2.0 award winners, I want to note that I forgot to put anything in the previous post about how the value of Zoho (or other online productivity applications) in the library world. But perhaps it goes without saying. After all, free online word processing, email, conferencing, etc. applications would be very useful for the librarian.
Now to the award winners. I couldn't pick just one to look at. I looked at three, so please bear with me as I talk about all three. Google Docs was the winner in the collaborative writing category while second place went to Writeboard. I was curious since I had not heard of Writeboard. Although I didn't actually try to create a document there, the features looked really good. I was glad to know there were alternatives to Google Docs for when I am no longer a student at UW. I can certainly see the value in librarians being able to collaborate easily on document creation -- perhaps on a paper.
I am always interested in health related information. I looked at the first place winner in that category - Revolution Health. I have to admit that for actual health information, I would much rather visit MedlinePlus. However, this site is very useful for creating a PHR (Personal Health Record). These are very handy for having all of your health information readily available. My personal favorite for this tool, though, can be found at MyHealtheVet. Because it is a government site, it is very safe and reliable. You don't have to be a Veteran to use the PHR part of the site.
OK -- just one more for the bibliophile side of me. I looked at LuLu. This site seems to be a place to not only find books to buy, but also to publish and to sell -- and not only books, but all things publishable.
This particular site (Web 2.0 award winners) would be quite helpful to the reference librarian.
I have bookmarked this page as well. Thanks for the introduction.

#18 Online Productivity Tools

OK - how come I didn't know about Zoho writer before? I am really impressed. I created a new document using a poem written by my practicum advisor. I then sent it to my blog from Zoho. You will find it in the preceding blog entitled "Koehler Poetry". How about that? I also sent an email to my daughter using Zoho mail. I investigated the Zoho planner (very cool) and the online presentation tool (also very cool). (Goodness, I sound like one of my children.) I noted that there is also an application for creating Wikis. I have bookmarked the Zoho accounts page and will return. I did know about Google docs. We have used that tool to work on group projects in some of my courses. But for that purpose, I think I now prefer using My (UW) Webspace.

Koehler Poetry

A Writer Writes
AWriter writes.
That is what they always recommend
There are the weekly bills to deal with.
Shopping lists to compose.
His children's homework to correct.
A quarterly report overdue.
All those song lyrics to improve when
sung aloud in the shower.
Daily emails to be answered on the fly.
Birthday cards to send.
A page of New Year's Resolutions that
keeps growing longer.
Those letters those letters home the child inside
hopes to smuggle out
asking someone to come rescue him.
Every Christmas then note
he leaves with the cookies and mild
for Santa to peruse.
Nightly, the grand epic he unspools
behind closed eyes.
What does it matter if his notebook
remains a blank white.
He still carries it wherever he goes.

#16 and 17 -- Wikis

Wikis. I am somewhat familiar with these. We learned a bit more about Wikipedia in 451. We chose a "stub", searched for 25 citations and wrote a 25 page paper to fix that stub. During that same semester, we used a Wiki for the Youth Services class. When doing this exercise, I did not need to create an account. I already have an account at PB works because of that Wiki. I did log in and add a post to a two of the "favorites" -- books and physical activities. I wasn't able to add my blog to the list, however, because there was no "edit" button to click. I noticed that another class member had added her link in the comment section. We have also created a Wiki for a volunteer group that I am part of -- the Reach Out and Read Program at the American Family Children's Hospital here in Madison. On December 1, the new in-patient reading library was officially opened with over 600 new, high-quality books available for the pediatric patients to read and be read to. Wisconsin's First Lady, Jessica Doyle participated and read to the children Opening. We are using the Wiki to mobilize the volunteers. This blog is getting a bit lengthy but I should mention that I visited several of the library wikis highlighted at the Learning 2.0 site, all of which illustrated how this tool can be valuable for libraries and their patrons.

#14 - Technorati

Before this class, I wasn't very cognizant of "blogs". I had heard of them, of course, and often visited my daughter-in-law's blog -- where she frequently posted pictures of the family. Here I am creating my own blog -- and am writing about blogs. I found the explanation of the title "technorati" enlightening ("technology" + "literati"). I assume the writers of blogs are the "educated class" using technology to publish their wisdom. Although I should be amazed at the number of blogs in existence, I am not. I can believe the the number grows exponentially daily.
My exploration of the site leads me to believe that updates have occurred since the podcast at the "learning 2.0 23 things" Web site. I did look at the blog directory, the keyword search box of blog posts and the tag pages. There is also a list of the Top 100 bloggers and the "State of the Blogosphere". I wonder if there is any topic about which a blog has not been written? I suspect that this particular tool could actually be useful in reference. Even though there is no peer review to create the reliability, a search here may just lead you to the correct answer. Just out of curiosity, I wondered if anyone had written blogs about Tiger Woods and the mysterious Thanksgiving accident. Indeed they had! I also noted that there is an entire section devoted to political blogs -- this could be interesting for my husband.

I'm back

It's been some time since I've been here. I have finally been successful in not only getting into Rollyo, but also creating an account and creating a search roll. After getting that very helpful "sharing" list of reference web sites from Charlet, I knew how I could keep many of them handy. I created a "roll" of Reference Favorites. OK - an account, a search roll -- then of course try it out. I picked a rather popular topic at first. A search for "H1N1" returned thousands of hits. Whoa.
So then, I tried something a bit more obscure. We just watched the final episode of "Monk", the TV show. I couldn't remember when it started. I searched -- and boom, immediate answer. It premiered in 2002. Can it really be seven years? I have to admit, I had my doubts about this one. But I'm pretty sure I can find uses for this tool -- especially in a library setting.

#12 ROLLYO (Later) -- #13 - Del.icio.us

There is a lot of social networking going on -- many, many ways to keep me connected with others -- for many different reasons. There are my Twitter followers (well, actually my Facebook friends), my photo friends (Flickr), my LibraryThing friends, and now my Folksonomy (tagging) friends. I must admit, my first reaction to Del.icio.us was - I already have lots of bookmarks - all alphabetized and easy to find, why another technology? I dutifully listened to the both the podcast and the tutorial. Light began to dawn. Then, I followed the link to PLCMCL2's account, clicked on "tags", then on "reference" :). I went out and back a few times and discovered that the tags change very quickly. It's necessary to grab that link and save the bookmark. I could see that this could be useful - especially for sharing links with collaborators. I did not set up my own account at this time, but could definitely envision doing so in the future. Do you know I immediately found sites that I didn't know existed and certainly don't want to forget about. I found the comments and think they could be useful. Sharing tags with other librarians can help to keep up with reference resources -- but one does have to wonder how to keep up with the bookmarks?
P.S. I haven't been able to get into ROLLYO. But I will keep trying.

Library Thing (#11)

Learning 2.0: a discovery learning tool for librarians. I confess that I am finding too many personal uses for these tools. I'm sure that almost everyone else already probably knew about this, but I didn't. I am elated. Reading is a favorite pastime for many members of our family. Because my children know that I like to read certain authors, they like to give me gifts of those books. I actually have a rather large collection of Agatha Christie books started probably 35 years ago or so. At times, even I run across a book and wonder - do I have that one. I also enjoy reading Alexander McCall Smith (as well as many others). This is great! I can "catalog" my books, share the link (http://www.librarything.com/catalog/Suneydew) with my family, and they will know (and so will I) whether I have a certain book or not. Not only that, but they can do the same, since I also am known to give books as gifts -- and often have to consult with them to see if they have the book, thereby entirely removing the element of surprise. With a group forum for librarians, reviews and recommendations, plus the huge and growing number of cataloged books, the value to the librarian is obvious. Kudos to Tim Spalding for creating this tool.

Image Generator

It has been way too long since I have been here. I actually probably spent too much time with #10 -- online image generators. I can foresee that when I have a minute to breathe again, I will want to spend a little more time with this. There seems to be a tremendous amount of things you can do with this and I have only touched the surface. I am including a few motivational posters -- all family members (except that strange character who has taken my daughter hostage). This particular exercise reminds me of Flickr a great deal. I also noticed that the site where I created these (http://bighugelabs.com), one of the resources provided is "home of fd's Flickr Toys. I found sites where I could for instance, put my head on another body -- don't think that would help. I can think of a lot of ways these types of techniques could be useful for the library. How about READ posters, invitations to a book club, a mosaic of storytime children?

Ramblings

Added more to my Bloglines RSS feeds. Now I can also keep updated on Alzheimer news. I am in a large research study called the WRAP program (Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention) at the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute: http://www.medsch.wisc.edu/wai/wrap/wrap.html As the adult child of a person diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, I take a battery of tests every four years. It's a challenging test and the collective results are always very interesting.

I'm following three other members of the class, having discovered I can find their postings on my "dashboard" after registering as a follower. It's a convenient feature that I am appreciating.

I thought I had already completed 20 hours at my practicum after last Thursday, but discovered it must have been a senior moment. I'll finish the half-way point after this Thursday (10/22). I am learning a lot at the Meriter Medical Library. The time seems to go by so quickly. I'll add one picture of the library here. At some point, I'd like to add one of Robert's poems here.

I had a lot of fun planning the trip to British Columbia. Wish we could really go. . .

More this weekend -- "Things" 10, 11 and 12 coming up.

RSS Feeds

Well, would you look at that?! I knew about RSS feeds. I manage a biochemistry research lab. The researchers use RSS feeds to be notified of articles that pertain to their research. I didn't know what RSS stood for. How non-inquisitive is that? "Really Simple Syndication" sounds a little like "keep it simple stupid". And really, it is simple. I never really thought of having my own personal RSS feed. I had a great deal of fun setting up the Bloglines newsreader account. I added in news feeds, library feeds, my son and daughter-in-law's blog (wonderful grandchildren pictures), dictionary.com's word of the day (love it!), and a number of the Channel 3000 (Madison) feeds. And you know what-- this is going to help. My schedule is a bit overwhelming just now, and I have missed keeping up to date on some things because of it. It's pretty obvious that this great technology would be very helpful to the busy librarian, who has more than a personal need for keeping up to date on all sorts of things, especially library news. I almost feel like saying Whoo Hooo!

Practicum

Have I said how much I am enjoying my practicum at the Meriter Hospital Medical Library? Robert and Sharon have welcomed me and made me feel like I belong. Both Robert, the library director and Sharon, his assistant are very busy helping with literature searches, filling reference requests and being amazing customer service representatives. Robert has built a rapport with an amazing number of people in the entire hospital community. There are always people in the library and in the short two hours I am there on a day, several people will stop by with requests -- or just to chat for a few moments! The goal of the library is to fill requests as quickly as possible -- rarely does a reply not go out the same day. Meriter is part of free-share group that freely shares articles through Docline. Yesterday as I was finishing, Robert said, "just think, perhaps one of those articles will help save someone's life". I hadn't thought of it that way, but it did remind me that what we do as librarians is important!

#7 -- Something technology related

I'm usually a pretty private individual. I don't think Twitter would be a place for me personally. Because of it's apparent popularity, I do think that it probably would have value for the library. It would be great for the library to have "followers" and for those followers to be able to keep up with events at the library, great reads, etc -- in a cool, fun way. But, I was quite upset by the newspaper article this week detailing a woman's decision to Twitter about extremely personal events in her life. Is this where this type of technology invites us to go? I don't want to go there. I also have a question -- is there a difference between Twitter and Facebook?

That being said, I do feel that it is important for the librarians to know about as many things technology related as possible. I really appreciate this introduction to and exploration of available technologies. However, at the rate that they are being introduced, how will I keep up with them?

Flickr

Help. I can't help it. Reading about all these amazing (to me at least) technologies, I'm suffering from technology overload. I don't even have a digital camera. Once the children grew up, got digital cameras and started taking pictures, I simply let them take the pictures. I was introduced to "Webshots" years ago and used to download random photos for my computer's desktop. I joined Facebook last year and became "friends" with my children so that I could see the pictures of the grandkids they posted -- now my computer desktop picture changes often with new pictures of the grandkids. Someday when I get the chance, I'd like to make a trading card for each of them. I had heard of avatars in LIS 450. I'm afraid it boggled my mind a bit. However, I realized how they could be valuable on a library's website when I visited this site -- http://norfolknavyhomes.com -- highlighted on Sitepal. Good old Salty - helping Navy folks transition to Norfolk. I found this especially interesting since my youngest son graduated from the Naval Academy and then spent an additional six years in the Marines. I also have a daughter (in the picture with me) who is a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy. She's a Pharmacist, serving at Naval Hospital in Beaufort, NC.

Michael Pollan

Twitter: I wasn't able to stay for the Michael Pollan lecture tonight so I followed it on Twitter. This was a first for me. I do live in the world so I have heard of Twitter, but I did not have an account and have never been on the site before. I now have an account and will spend a bit more time looking into it. (Whoa - two firsts in one night!)

Steps 1, 2, 3: I think this is going to be fun. I read the introduction. I listened to the tutorials.
I set up this blog. Please understand. I didn't grow up with computers. In fact, when I was in college there were no personal calculators (that's correct - calculators). We used slide rules. And really, that wasn't so long ago. Not that I don't like computers - the computer is my friend. This is just all new to me -- and I am quite excited about continuing with my life long learning.

Seven and a half habits: I noted that a number of people thought that accepting responsibility for ones own learning was probably the easiest habit for them. I would agree, but I think where I excel is in viewing problems as challenges. There's no question that life tends to throw curve balls at times and I've had my share. I've learned to avoid stewing by creating some sort of a plan to tackle the problem. Having said that, it may surprise you to know that where I struggle is in having confidence in myself. It wasn't always that way. I think it crept up with age. However, I am pleased to report that being accepted as a LIS graduate student and having completed 21 credits thus far has gone a long way to help. I am grateful.

And I am grateful for the opportunities to embrace technology because frankly I am not only not very knowledgeable in that regard, but also a little frightened. I want to be able to be confident, proficient and helpful to library patrons.